Design Thinking: Security that is Greater than the Sum of its Parts

Banknote users see a holistic banknote when they transact but our industry doesn’t always think holistically. A significant proportion of our time is focussed on individual components and, whilst these are incredibly important, we risk overlooking the essential role of integration in unlocking the next wave of banknote innovation.

Pros and cons of disaggregating banknotes

Banknote procurement is increasingly disaggregated, with separate sourcing of substrate and security features. This raises the importance of having skilled banknote designers and manufacturers who can integrate an increasingly diverse range of components into a finished banknote that is durable, secure, functional, easy-to-manufacture and aesthetically pleasing.

A disaggregated approach encourages competition around component technology and increases the number of branded products available to issuing authorities.